A Midsummer Night's Dream
Step into the enchanted forest with the Jackson Teen Theatre’s delightful production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! This beloved Shakespearean comedy—adapted by Carrie Smith Lewis—sparkles with love, laughter, and a touch of magic as fairies, lovers, and mischievous sprites collide in one unforgettable adventure.
Join us for an afternoon of imagination and talent as Jackson’s young performers bring new life to one of theatre’s most timeless stories—all set within the Basement Theatre at the Carnegie Center for Arts and History.
Admission is free and open to the public. Come celebrate creativity, community, and the joy of live theatre!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Step into the enchanted forest with the Jackson Teen Theatre’s delightful production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! This beloved Shakespearean comedy—adapted by Carrie Smith Lewis—sparkles with love, laughter, and a touch of magic as fairies, lovers, and mischievous sprites collide in one unforgettable adventure.
Join us for an afternoon of imagination and talent as Jackson’s young performers bring new life to one of theatre’s most timeless stories—all set within the Basement Theatre at the Carnegie Center for Arts and History.
Admission is free and open to the public. Come celebrate creativity, community, and the joy of live theatre!
We Hope You Fail Better Opens!
Brad and Kristi Montague present: We hope you fail better. From two best-selling picture book creators comes a colorful look at the journey of bringing an idea to life. Featuring an array of works that blend sketches, paint, and paper collage—this is a wild, but warm invitation to embrace the messy process of creation.
You’ll experience the joy of having an idea as well as the struggle and disappointment of what happens when expectations and reality collide. It’s an emotional ride, playfully navigated with animated shorts, paper mache surprises, behind-the-scenes scribbles, and interactive displays. With humor and heart, it all culminates in a celebration — or a ‘Fail-a-bration’, sending everyone out into a community of creative, compassionate collaboration.
Suede & Blue Christmas
The Carnegie Center for Arts and History presents Suede & Blue Christmas!
Join us for our annual Christmas Party and Opening Reception featuring festive cheer, hot chocolate, light hors d'oeuvres, and community.
Celebrate the season with us on December 18th from 6–8 PM.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Misery - Understudy Cast
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
This performance will feature the understudy cast of actors: Chad Carlson, Krista Mergen, and Clint Garig.
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 2:30 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Misery
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Tennessee Music Boxes - Closing
October 25th is your last day to see Tennessee Music Boxes.
The Tennessee music box is a folk music instrument which originated in the rural counties of West or Middle Tennessee shortly after the Civil War. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but there are enough similarities among the documented instruments to suggest common ancestry.
They were never commercially produced on any scale but the most skilled craftsmen might have built several instruments for friends and family. The techniques of constructing and playing these “box dulcimers” were transmitted through family tradition or from neighbor to neighbor making them true regional folk instruments. Each one was constructed from materials at hand lending every Tennessee music box individual aesthetic and tonal characteristics.
This exhibition highlights seven unique instruments from the 1800s, along with details about the instruments’ construction, history, and rediscovery. Come experience these truly unique artifacts at The Carnegie Center for Arts and History.
Tennessee Music Boxes is on loan from Arts in McNairy.
Misery
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Open Studio with Abby Wolfzron
Join Carnegie Artist Abby Wolfzorn for Open Studio! Bring a project to work on or use community provided art supplies. All are welcome to join in!
Where: The Basement classroom
When: Oct. 22, 2025 - 6pm-8pm
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome!)
Misery
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 2:30 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Misery
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Misery
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Misery Preview Party
Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author of paperback fiction, is involved in a car accident & rescued by his biggest fan, but he soon learns that his injuries are not the only barrier to him leaving a remote Colorado cabin. Come experience Stephen King's classic horror story performed onstage! This adaptation was written by the author of the 1990 screenplay, and the Carnegie basement theater is the perfect place to experience the claustrophobic tension of this chilling tale!
This preview party will feature dinner and a chance to see the cast's final dress rehearsal of this play. Please note that the performance includes strong language and scenes of violence; it is not intended for children.
Doors Open: 6:00 PM CDT
Age: 16+
Hub City Improv Show
Make plans to laugh with the Hub City Improv Team! Grab your tickets at hubcitytheatreco.com/tickets and come see them September 26th and 27th at 7pm!
Hub City Improv Show
Make plans to laugh with the Hub City Improv Team! Grab your tickets at hubcitytheatreco.com/tickets and come see them September 26th and 27th at 7pm!
The Art Review
Join us at The Carnegie Center for Arts and History for The Art Review - an open, welcoming space for artists to share their work, exchange ideas, and connect with one another.
This isn’t a formal or juried critique. It’s a chance to sit down with fellow artists from Jackson and the surrounding areas for a 30-minute peer-to-peer review session. Bring a few pieces of your work, get constructive feedback, and gain fresh perspectives from others who are also navigating the creative process.
Why Participate?
Get helpful, supportive feedback from fellow artists
Share your creative process and learn from others
Build connections within Jackson’s arts community
Find inspiration and encouragement for your work
All artists are welcome to attend, but the review slots are by application only. To apply for a review slot, email jacksontncarnegie@gmail.com with your name and a brief description of your work.
Facing Depression Reception
The Carnegie Center for Arts and History invites you to the opening reception for our newest exhibition, “Facing Depression: Photographs from Dorothea Lange,” on August 28th at 5 pm. The reception is free, and light snacks will be provided. Come visit and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts as we celebrate our newest show.
Cyanotype Workshop with Cari Griffith
Create a piece of art using YOUR image(s). Cari Griffith will walk through the process of creating a digital negative via Photoshop and a cyanotype print using your own image of choice. Workshop participants will submit their image(s) to Cari a week prior to the workshop so that the transparencies can be ordered. Participants may submit multiple images, at $25/print.
Sign up by August 19, 2025 at https://book.usesession.com/t/IIKZIewiMo
Kids Sun Print Workshop
Make cyanotype sun prints with botanicals from your home! Go for a nature walk around your yard and bring your findings to a short and sweet workshop with Cari Griffith. We'll make a one of a kind, collaborative piece of art together using leaves, flowers, and found treasures. Cari will have a supply of botanicals to use, if you are unable to bring your own. Kids aged 5 and older recommended. $15 per print. July 29th - 10am
Sign up here: https://lu.ma/nra2gftx
Yoga in the Gallery
Start your Saturday with serenity and creativity! Join us on May 10, 2025, from 8–10AM for Yoga in the Gallery—a peaceful yoga session surrounded by inspiring art.
Bring your own yoga mat
Stick around after for a relaxing art class
Pay what you can
All levels welcome—come stretch, breathe, and create!
Escape Room Adventure
Lost in the Rhythm: An Escape Room Adventure
Join us for a free fun escape room adventure at the Carnegie!
"Welcome to the Carnegie Center for Arts and History, where the spirit of blue suede legends echoes through every record and signed guitar. You came for an exclusive tour of the West Tennessee musicians exhibit, but when one of you accidentally nudges an old guitar stand near the front desk, a forgotten security system is triggered leading to a lockdown! Can you retrace the beat, decode the legends, and escape the museum before you become part of the exhibit?"
For ages 13+ years old
Sign up here: https://lu.ma/juoqaa8r
Escape Room Adventure
Lost in the Rhythm: An Escape Room Adventure
Join us for a free fun escape room adventure at the Carnegie!
"Welcome to the Carnegie Center for Arts and History, where the spirit of blue suede legends echoes through every record and signed guitar. You came for an exclusive tour of the West Tennessee musicians exhibit, but when one of you accidentally nudges an old guitar stand near the front desk, a forgotten security system is triggered leading to a lockdown! Can you retrace the beat, decode the legends, and escape the museum before you become part of the exhibit?"
For ages 13+ years old
Sign up here: https://lu.ma/2byl6cja
Gallery Work: Preparation, Proposal, & Production
As an artist, have you wondered how to approach a gallery or museum about exhibiting your work? This three day workshop is designed to help you prepare a body of work, create a proposal, meet with a curator, and plan for the installation of an exhibition. The course is led by Aaron Hardin, director of The Carnegie Center. Hardin serves as the curator of The Carnegie, as well as working as a exhibiting artist across the United States and abroad.
Workshop Schedule:
July 11 - 6pm-8pm
July 12 - 9am - 5pm (lunch included)
July 13 - 9am - 12pm
Oldtime Stringband Scramble
We’re pleased to announce the upcoming Oldtime Stringband Scramble at The Carnegie Center, held in conjunction with the Tennessee Music Boxes exhibition from the Ellis Truett Collection. We warmly invite musicians of all skill levels to participate in this unique and entertaining event—we believe you’ll truly enjoy the experience.
For those unfamiliar with a “Scramble,” here’s how it works:
The band scramble is a long-standing tradition at music festivals and gatherings, offering a relaxed, enjoyable opportunity for musicians to play together. The focus is on participation, fun, and community—not competition.
Here’s how to join:
Register at the event and drop your name into the bucket for your instrument.
Bands will be formed at random from the pool of registered musicians.
Each band will take turns performing a song selected by its members.
Once a band finishes, the next will be announced, continuing until all participants have had a chance to perform. (Musicians playing less common instruments may be invited to join multiple bands.)
Whether you’ve participated in jam sessions before or can simply play a few basic chords in time, you’re welcome to join in. This is a wonderful way to connect with fellow musicians, try something new, and enjoy making music together in a relaxed, supportive environment.
We hope to see you there—come out, play, and have a great time!
Yoga in the Gallery
Start your Saturday with serenity and creativity! Join us on May 10, 2025, from 8–10AM for Yoga in the Gallery—a peaceful yoga session surrounded by inspiring art.
Bring your own yoga mat
Stick around after for a relaxing art class
Pay what you can
All levels welcome—come stretch, breathe, and create!
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Preview Party
Based on the story that inspired John Ford's 1962 film starring John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart, this Western drama is a treat for any fan of the genre. When Ransome Foster comes into town after being beaten up by an outlaw and his henchmen, he finds that no one is willing to stand up to Liberty Valance.
This preview party is a chance for audiences to see the show during the last dress rehearsal. Please note that this show contains mild language which may be unsuitable for young guests; parental guidance is advised.
Guests will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages prior to watching the final dress rehearsal of the show.